Abstract: A global service management system (GSMS) for use in an advanced intelligent network is provided. The GSMS is adapted to communicate with two or more network element managers servicing SCPs and operating pursuant to different protocols. Upon receiving an update request message, the GSMS identifies the destination(s) of the message, translates the message into the protocol(s) used at the destination(s) as needed, and routes the translated message to the identified destination(s). In some embodiments, the GSMS is adapted to develop an indication of a status of a service package in response to a request message. The indication includes data identifying any changes in the service package occurring within a predefined time period.

Abstract: Low drag underwater submerged displacement hulls which can be used as independent vessels or as underwater displacement hull portions of a vessel whose main hull is at sea level are disclosed which have improved lift to drag ratios. The disclosed vessels have outer surfaces whose shapes are defined in plan and elevation by generally parabolic curves.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an aerodynamic control device for use with an aerodynamic lifting member. The lifting member is defined by a horizontal reference plane disposed therethrough. The control device is provided with at least one support rotor extending from the lifting member. The support rotor is sized and configured to rotate about a rotor axis of rotation which is disposed generally parallel to the horizontal reference plane. The support rotor has an inboard segment which is disposed along the rotor axis of rotation and in rotational communication with the lifting member. The support rotor has an outboard segment disposed off-set from the rotor axis of rotation. The control device is further provided with a control device body which is engaged with the outboard segment of the support rotor. The control device body is sized and configured to translate generally orthogonal to the horizontal reference plane in response to rotation of the support rotor.

Abstract: A video imaging device includes a light source, a detector, and an optical polarization system for video imaging of superficial biological tissue layers. The device relies on taking a set of measurements at different polarization orientations so as to render a new image that is independent of the light reflected from the surface of a tissue sample and that is independent of the light scattered from deep tissue layers.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a structural transition system for use between an aerodynamic lifting member and an aerodynamic control device attached thereto. The aerodynamic lifting member has an indenture formed therein which is defined by a first shoulder portion. The control device has a first end and is disposed within the indenture with the first end adjacent the first shoulder portion. The control device is sized and configured to rotate about a control device axis of rotation for deflecting the control device relative to the lifting member. The structural transition system is provided with a torque transfer element disposable between and in mechanical communication with the first shoulder portion and the first end. The torque transfer element is sized and configured to deform in response to deflection of the control device.

Abstract: A multiple diameter fiber optic device comprises one or more optical fibers that are used to irradiate light onto a tissue and to detect light back-scattered by the tissue wherein each fiber is used for both irradiation and detection. In the case of multiple fibers, the fibers typically are bundled together at the probe end of the bundle. The diameters and/or numerical apertures of the one or more fibers are selected to provide different sampling volumes within the tissue. More specifically, the diameter and/or numerical apertures of the one or more fibers are chosen to emphasize differences in light penetration into the tissue such that the diameter and/or numerical aperture of each fiber is related to the scattering and absorption path lengths in the tissue.

Abstract: A disk drive system provides a low height device by mounting a circuit board or boards containing the electronic circuitry in the same enclosure with the head-disk assembly (HDA). The drive actuator mechanism is positioned at one side of one end of the enclosure and the circuit board or boards are positioned at the other side of that end of the enclosure. A gasket seals the HDA from contaminants, while the enclosure protects the electronic circuitry and cables from physical damage, electrostatic charges and electromagnetic interference. The circuit board or boards can be removed from the enclosure without removing the entire disk drive from the using system, and the entire drive assembly can readily be removed from the using system for replacement or use in another system.

Abstract: The invention comprises a cosmetic composition which is a translucent to clear stick having low tack. The cosmetic sticks are formed by combining (a) from 5.0-50.0 weight percent of a silicone fluid phase which comprises at least one hydroxy functionalized silicone fluid, at least one stabilizing agent and, optionally at least one additional silicone material; (b) from 40-95 weight percent of a gellant/solvent phase which comprises a mixture of dibenzylidene sorbitol and at least one solvent such as a polyhydric alcohol (for example, propylene glycol); and (c) an effective amount of at least one active ingredient.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for orientating articles being moved along a conveyor for processing, so that a selected feature of each article is facing in the same predetermined direction, ie. handle leading. The apparatus comprises a support member having a pair of parallel longitudinally extending drive belts attached thereto, for gripping an article therebetween for advancement of the article along the predetermined path. The apparatus further comprises structure for selectively rotating the support member to orientate the feature of the article in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A high speed ship is disclosed which includes a hull structure having a bow portion and a stern portion with the hull being normally supported above the surface of the water when in operation. A forward strut depend from the bow portion of the hull structure and is subtended by a first transverse displacement foil. A set of midship dual struts depend from the hull structure aft of the forward strut; the aft dual struts are subtended by a second transverse displacement foil extending laterally between and connected to each of said struts. The second transverse displacement foil has a beam equal to or greater than its length and provides 70% or more of the major buoyancy for the ship during operation to maintain the hull above the surface of the water during operation. The forward foil provides less than 30% of the buoyancy of the vessel and has a beam less than the spacing between the aft struts.

Abstract: A high speed ship is disclosed which includes a hull structure having a bow portion and a stern portion with the hull being normally supported above the surface of the water when in operation. A forward strut depends from the bow portion of the hull structure and is subtended by a first transverse displacement foil. A pair of midship struts depend from the hull structure aft of the forward strut; the aft struts are subtended by a second transverse displacement foil extending laterally between and connected to each of said struts. The second transverse displacement foil has a beam equal to or greater than its length and provides 70% or more of the major buoyancy for the ship during operation to maintain the hull above the surface of the water during operation. The forward foil provides less than 30% of the buoyancy of the vessel and has a beam less than the spacing between the aft struts.

Abstract: A small water plane area vessel is disclosed which includes at least one normally submerged hull, a superstructure normally located above the level of the water during operation of the vessel and at least one strut connected between the superstructure and the submerged hull. The vessel has a design draft water line located between the normally submerged hull and the superstructure and at lease one buoyancy pod on the strut located above the design draft water line and below the superstructure. The strut has a water plane area at the water plane of the pod which is larger than the water plane areas thereof above and below the pod.

Abstract: An improved blood filter media comprising a woven fabric having a pore size distribution rating of 20 microns and being woven with monofilament yarns in a regular, even-sided twill weave.

Abstract: A blood filter unit comprising an assembly for supporting a filter cartridge, a filter cartridge, and a housing for the assembly and cartridge. The assembly for supporting the cartridge comprises a permeable cylindrical core with a bottom member and a top cap. The filter media, in the form of a cartridge, is disposed about the periphery of the core and extends between the bottom member and top cap. The core contacts the media only at intermittent areas spaced longitudinally and circumferentially about the core. The core, media and walls of the housing are tapered with respect to each other.